Which scenario best demonstrates delegation of authority?

• A. A supervisor granting a subordinate decision-making authority for a specific task.
• B. A manager personally handling all decisions without input.
• C. A supervisor appointing a deputy to make routine decisions for a shift.
• D. An employee unilaterally changing policy without approval.

Answer: (C)

Delegation of authority means transferring decision-making power from a supervisor to another person for a defined area or period, with accountability for the outcome. Appointing a deputy to make routine decisions for a shift fits this idea perfectly: the supervisor empowers someone else to handle the day-to-day decisions during that shift, ensuring timely responses, consistency, and coverage when the supervisor isn’t immediately available. The deputy operates within clear boundaries and policy, while the supervisor retains overall responsibility and can intervene if needed.

This is broader and more systematic than delegating a single task, which is still delegation but narrower in scope. The other options don’t demonstrate delegation in action: a manager handling all decisions personally shows no transfer of authority, and changing policy unilaterally bypasses the proper authority and process.